Six-story SUPERFARM designed by Studio NAB is a thought-out holistic approach with valuable inspirations when it comes to space-efficient urban farming. Especially in urban agglomerations where space is rare and costly, vertical agriculture proposals come to the fore. So, SUPERFARM is based on a current problem and uses workable concepts for vertical agriculture that could be implemented with existing technology. A future in which such structures become essential is not impossible – even if the idea of building a highly-engineered structure for nothing but food production may seem too costly to be feasible in the present day.

Studio NAB developed its design as a response to the statistics presented in Dr. Dickson Despommier’s book “The Problem.” In his work, Despommier concludes that vertical farming and urban agriculture are a sustainable alternative to land and resource-hungry traditional farming methods and could be a solution to feeding the world’s growing population. He points to the fact that 80 percent of the world’s arable land is already devoted to other uses.

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But vertical agriculture also enables to reduce water consumption as the condensed vapor from the plants can be reused for irrigation. Additionally, it is possible to cut transport emissions as food is produced and consumed in the same place – the city. Apart from the ecological advantages, urban farms in general can be seen as pleasant green spaces where people meet and, therefore, stimulate conversations and promoting social interactions – a positive impact on emotional well-being. Thanks to all these benefits, turning urban areas into food producers could be a way forward.

Farming Without Land

Current efforts towards urban agriculture are primarily targeting reducing food’s carbon footprint, promoting food security, and even improving the urban climate. Studio NAB, on the other hand, looks towards a future in which terrestrial landmasses are almost entirely occupied.

In this scenario, it postulates that vertical farms built over water and occupying space within cities could cater for their food-producing needs. The towers would produce fruits, vegetables, fish, honey, and possibly even high-protein insects to feed city populations without using any pesticides. After all, it is already possible to create controlled environments in which pests and pathogens would be excluded. And there are even various best practice projects in this world. And in fact, according to a study published by MarketsandMarkets, vertical agriculture is a growing billion market.

(Studio NAB)

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Another difference between the vertical farm proposed by NAB and anything so far seen is that it will produce a wide variety of highly nutritious foods whereas current urban farms generally only produce greens and occasionally berries or fish. Finally, the farm would generate its own renewable energy using wind and solar installations, making it completely self-sufficient.

Not the Only Possible Solution

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Although the engineering and the technology needed to construct a vertical farm on this scale are in place, it would be interesting to see agricultural data that proves centralization of food production will be an economical solution.

For example, instead of building over water to save land acreage, the current practice of rooftop agriculture could be expanded across city spaces. Vertical gardening methods are compact and multiple “levels” of production could be achieved in a relatively low-rise rooftop structure. Spreading production would also spread risk, a factor that no amount of technology has entirely eliminated from food production so far.

Why the SUPERFARM Design?

If the world population continues to grow at its current rate, running out of space to live is a very real possibility. With its SUPERFARM design, Studio NAB draws our attention to the problems of overpopulation, food security, and agricultural sustainability. It presents a startling solution that, while unlikely to be implemented in the near future, will stimulate discussion and raise awareness of the global issues we will very soon confront.

Soilalgae, a small startup from the US, takes the step from theory to praxis and developed algal biofertilizer

The low availability of Nitrogen and Phosphates in many soils limited agriculture for hundreds of years. Then, we discovered how to create inorganic fertilizers within the petrochemical industry, and fertilizer use and agricultural production worldwide skyrocketed. However, the benefits of inorganic fertilizers have been offset by the extensive environmental harm they cause. Agricultural runoff water from farmlands, laden with phosphates and nitrates, lead to algal overgrowth (eutrophication) in rivers, streams, and lakes. This, in its worst form, results in anaerobic conditions and the loss of water bodies’ ability to support life.

Increasing Urban Farming Yields Sustainably With Algal Biofertilizer

While activists around the world are calling for sustainable alternatives to inorganic fertilizers, researchers believe that they may have found an organic alternative with several environmental advantages: fertilizers made from algae. There is agreement on the advantages. An increased nutrient tansfer and beneficial microorganisms, stabilized soil aggregates or the decreased reliance on fossil fuels or some examples of the benefits of algal biofertilizer.

Soilalgae Goes a Step Further

Soilalgae, a small startup from the US, takes the step from theory to praxis and developed an algal biofertilizer allowing to discard your chemical fertilizers. Offering their product on Kickstarter, every urban farmer can seize the opportunity to boost yields organically. Supported by solar radiation, water, and temperature, cyanobacteria – a special kind of algae – have the power to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and provide it directly for your plants. In contrast, chemical fertilizers are commonly produced by using harmful fossil fuels.

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Soilalgae on Kickstarter

What Researchers Believe We Can Achieve Using Algal Fertilizers

As organic fertilizers, algal fertilizers will not only contain the macronutrients we use inorganic fertilizers to replace but will also contain micronutrients without which plant production is limited. But researchers believe that several other advantages can be realized.

Nutrient Reclamation from Polluted Water Bodies

Microalgal systems could be used in a controlled manner and on a large scale to purify water by removing the excess nutrients that cause eutrophication. Agricultural wastewater nutrients and generations of nutrient buildup could be removed from water and effectively recycled. If this kind of wastewater treatment could be implemented, we would end up with cleaner lakes, rivers, and streams while reclaiming valuable fertilizer for agricultural crops.

Biofertilizers Could Improve Nutrient Uptake

Plants only absorb soil nutrients in their ionic forms. When inorganic fertilizers are applied, plants only absorb one third to one-half of the nutrients applied. Early research on other biofertilizers has shown more efficient nutrient uptake and higher yields from lower fertilizer volumes. Further research into how algae could fit into this equation is underway.

Soil Stability Could be Improved

Soil erosion as a direct result of intensive agriculture is responsible for the loss of megatons of valuable topsoil every year. Soil formation processes are much slower, so we are literally losing ground on a continuous basis. Although the use of biofertilizers will not be the sole solution (alternative or no-tillage practices are among the additional practices that can help) microalgae can reduce soil erosion. Soil with microalgae is more inclined to form aggregates which limit the amount of loose material subject to erosion.

Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource. Algae, on the other hand, represent a renewable resource – and productive land need not be given over to their production.

Plants May Even Grow Better

In trials conducted at the University of Texas, plants treated with algal fertilizer produced higher yields than those treated with conventional fertilizers. This could partly be attributed to an increase in the soil microbes that help plants to grow.

Applying algal biofertilizer from soilalgae.com (soilalgae)

A Sustainable Solution: But More Research is Needed

Algae-based fertilizers hold the promise of improving sustainability in agriculture while reducing unsustainable fossil fuel reliance. However, additional research will be needed before algal biofertilizers can realize their full potential as a sustainable and commercially viable alternative to conventional fertilizers.

Thanks to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it could be possible in the future to use urban greenery for illuminating the surroundings. Even urban rooftop farms could likely attract still further interest on warm summer nights if some of the plants are glowing. Bioluminescent plants are maybe able to replace power-eating lighting systems to a certain extent. Nonetheless, it will take quite some time. However, the first prototypes are already functioning successfully and strong enough to illuminate a book with the support of a reflective paper front.

Glowing MIT logo printed on the leaf of an arugula plant by using infused nanoparticles (Seon-Yeong Kwak)

Unfortunately, it is not possible so far to create natural bioluminescent plants which are able to produce their own fluorescent elements. To let the plants shine, researchers from MIT injected specific nanoparticles with a diameter of 10 nanometers into the leaves of a watercress plant. As a result, the watercress can produce four hours dim light. Further improvements could lead to higher luminous power and a longer lighting duration – maybe enough to illuminate a workplace one day.

MIT Applied Three Components to Create Bioluminescent Plants

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“The vision is to make a plant that will function as a desk lamp — a lamp that you don’t have to plug in. The light is ultimately powered by the energy metabolism of the plant itself,” says Michael Strano, the Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT and the senior author of the study.

The MIT team used nanoparticles carrying three different components. Luciferase is needed to let the molecule luciferin shine. A third molecule removes a reaction byproduct which is able to block the activity of luciferase. Allegedly, the concentration is not high enough to make the plant toxic.

“Plants can self-repair, they have their own energy, and they are already adapted to the outdoor environment,” Strano says. “We think this is an idea whose time has come. It’s a perfect problem for plant nanobionics.”

To inject the nanoparticles, the plants were dipped in a particular solution and then exposed to very high pressure. In this way, the particles in the solution can enter through small stomata pores on the surface. The researchers hope to replace this complex technical process by a painting or spraying method to make it suitable for routine applications.

“Our target is to perform one treatment when the plant is a seedling or a mature plant, and have it last for the lifetime of the plant,” Strano says. “Our work very seriously opens up the doorway to streetlamps that are nothing but treated trees, and to indirect lighting around homes.”

Suited LED grow lights provide the needed spectrum for every growing phase

Although most of us are eager to eat fresh, healthy food that’s grown in a sustainable way, most of us lack the time and expertise it takes to produce food crops ourselves. That’s particularly true if we want to garden in an office or apartment with no outdoor space to spare and are seldom at home. Now, having an automated indoor garden is within easy reach, even if you have never grown plants before.

Hydroponics has always been an indoor growing option, but in the past, it took quite a lot of specialized expertise to create an effective hydroponic garden. CityCrop, an innovative startup, has developed a neat, compact, self-contained system that you can manage on the go using your smartphone.

What Makes Hydroponics Sustainable?

Apart from the fact that you know exactly what’s gone into the growing of your food, hydroponics uses just 10 percent of the water you would need to grow plants in a regular garden. The water is constantly recirculated instead of going to waste.

FLEXIBLE TRAYS

You are free to choose and customize your needed trays for several plants

Because the CityCrop garden is a closed unit, you shouldn’t experience any pest problems, so you should be able to grow your food without any pesticides to speak of, and although it does consume some electricity, your plants grow in optimum conditions, allowing you to get maximum yields much faster. That means a smaller carbon footprint for every harvest you take from your automated indoor garden. Compared to other private indoor planting solutions like Herbert or The Growroom, the high level of technology arranges a growth stimulating environment.

(CityCrop)

How the Automated Indoor Garden Works

The vertical garden is enclosed in a neat casing with adjustable trays. It’s also a fully connected system that allows you to monitor it no matter where you are. A useful app shows you the ideal temperature, humidity, light, and nutrient conditions for your crops. Simply select your settings using your phone, and the unit takes care of the rest.

Harvesting chives (CityCrop)

Would you like to know how your plants are doing even though you’re far from home? You can take a look at them and see for yourself, and you’ll get notifications if there’s anything you need to change to improve your indoor vertical garden’s success.

The energy demand varies due to lighting conditions and the extent of ventilation. According to the London- and Athens-based company, it is recommended to budget £3-£5 per month. Of course, this value depends on local electricity prices varying from country to country. When it comes to seeding, horticulturists are free to use own organic seeds or from CityCrop provided and tested seeds. If you plan to integrate it in your kitchen, you should be aware of the geometric dimensions of 45cm x 45cm x 88cm (L x W x H).

CityCrop’s automated indoor garden with two storeys (CityCrop)

You Aren’t All on Your Own

One of the best things about gardening is the bragging rights you get, and the option of getting advice from experts or other urban gardeners. In the old days, this meant being a member of a garden club, but busy indoor gardeners can simply join the CityCrop community to get exposure to the social side of gardening.

If you need expert help, simply send a picture to CityCrop help and support for a professional opinion. Growing like a pro doesn’t have to take years of experience when you have access to experts at the touch of a button.

What Can You Grow?

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Obviously, there are limits to what you can grow in your CityCrop automated indoor garden. You wouldn’t have room for fruit trees, for example, but there’s nothing to stop you from growing small fruit crops like strawberries.

Greens and microgreens are an excellent choice for the freshest, most nourishing leafy veg straight from your own indoor garden. Most of us don’t eat enough fresh greens or struggle to find super-fresh, healthy greens at a reasonable price. This unit solves these problems beautifully.

Fresh herbs really set top chefs apart from the ordinary cook, and once again, the CityCrop unit allows you to grow quite a variety. Cultivate your own basil, chives, parsley, cilantro, and so on. And let’s not forget that flowers are good to eat too. Pretty violas, nasturtiums and day lilies all add color and variety to your diet.

An Attractive, Fun, and Easy Way to Become an Urban Farmer

All in all, CityCrop seems to have many bases covered. It looks great, even the rawest beginner can use it to grow plants, and the social aspect also adds a fun touch to the package. When old fashioned gardening goes high tech, even the busiest person can grow fabulous food crops easily and conveniently with an automated indoor garden.

In the end, interested customers can decide whether they want to shorten their harvest cycles and enjoy the services of CityCrop’s indoor garden or whether they prefer to save the investment sum and place their simple pot with basil at the window.

The key advantage of vertical farming, the increase in space efficiency, is of particular interest for agriculture in cities. Open green space is a rarity, especially in rapidly densifying metropolises. Growing produce in stacked beds instead of regular farming can partially offset the disadvantage of missing urban farmland. It seems inconceivable that urban farmers can or will bypass vertical farming technology if they aim to generate substantially higher yields. Therefore, it is no surprising that some foresee a great potential for this technology in near future. Several research and development programs have indicated this development. However, the expected growth within the vertical farming market can also be associated with the overall technology cost-effectiveness, rising demand for food on a global level or the optimized growth conditions.

Still, there is further room for improvement. Multiplying the cultivated area is one out of various options in order to harvest more green food. Urban Crop Solutions, a global turnkey solution provider in automated plant growth infrastructure and plant growth recipes, is trying to get out the best of every square meter. Within their offered standard growth container, it is possible to provide much better growth conditions and address the specific needs of a chosen plant to a high degree.

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Thanks to the integrated and automated farming system, it is also possible to streamline the whole growing process from seed to harvest. The fully automated nutrient delivery or cutting, packaging and irrigation system reduces human interactions and thus wage costs. A connection to the outside world enables to monitor the growth cycle from any place in the world. The logical consequence is not only a higher area yield due to shorter growing cycles. It is also possible to reduce water consumption or manpower requirements significantly, cultivate more than 180 different plants or influence the crop’s flavor.

Harvesting Crops Year-Round From Iceland to Quater Due to the Fully Insulated & Climate Controlled Containers

For those who can do without open lush green and the typical urban farming atmosphere with all its social and recreational benefits, they can go for this efficiently organized way of farming with shortened growth cycles and higher yields.

(Urban Crop Solutions)

FarmPro Farming Container

FarmPro, a 40 ft fully automated farming system, quadruples the cultivation area and protects the crops with an insulation from the outer climate – hot, cold or polluted. Between 1,600 and 3,600 crops per cycle await the harvest – depending on the plant variety. The irrigation and climate system, as well as plant suited LEDs are responsible for optimal growing conditions. A handling area and technical room offer room for human interactions and technical equipment.

Automated farming system FARMLEX with its own irrigation system (Urban Crop Solutions)

PlantFactory for Ambitious Objectives

Urban farmers with much bigger plans may acquire a taste for the PlantFactory. With a maximum of 24 layers and a size of up to 130,000 square meters, urban farming becomes a large-scale industrial project. Supplying the immediate neighborhood gets more realistic with the resulting production capabilities and potentialities. PlantFactory can be adapted to local space conditions and specific user needs in order to achieve the greatest possible yield of the chosen crop. Seeding lines, replanting systems, packaging or washing streets can be incorporated as options.

Urban Crop Solutions, officially founded 2014 in Beveren-Leie (Belgium) under the former name Urban Crops, started its first production in March 2015. At the beginning, the initial product offering consisted of LED grow lights, which are able to increase the minerals and vitamins in the crops and thus the yields. The engineering process of PlantFactory and FarmPro was following mid of 2015.

“Opening an office in the US became a necessity as we received numerous requests from the American continent”, says Maarten Vandecruys, managing director of Urban Crop Solutions. “Our grow systems and business model make it possible for all people that have interest in the agri-food, medicinal industry or any other industrial crop production to start its own production activities leveraging on our proven know-how on plant science and plant grow infrastructure.” Pieter De Smedt, US country manager adds: “Supplying qualitative and innovative solutions, products and services is our core strength. Our US presence is thus a very important factor if we want to service our clients and sales agents from this continent.”